Shoemyer calling on president to save local jobs

When President Barack Obama visits the Tri-State area next week, Missouri state Sen. Wes Shoemyer, D-Clarence, knows the opportunity to do more than shake Obama’s hand and maybe say “hello” are slim at best. But if the chance does present itself, Shoemyer knows what message he will deliver.

When President Barack Obama visits the Tri-State area next week, Missouri state Sen. Wes Shoemyer, D-Clarence, knows the opportunity to do more than shake Obama’s hand and maybe say “hello” are slim at best. But if the chance does present itself, Shoemyer knows what message he will deliver.

“I’m glad the president is coming to talk about jobs. My message is we’ve got jobs here, we don’t have to spend millions of dollars to attract them here. The president can have a huge impact on saving 300 or 400 jobs in Hannibal and 300 or 400 in Mexico, Mo., too,” said Shoemyer, referring to Spartan Light Metal Products facilities in those communities.

Shoemyer recently submitted a resolution in the Missouri Senate asking Congress to look into the tariff that prohibits the importation of magnesium from countries such as China and Russia. Because of the tariff, parts producers needing magnesium have few options.

“When that took place they basically created a monopoly for themselves and that’s led to predatory pricing in our industry,” said Mike Dierks, a vice president with Spartan.

For additional details see the Saturday, April 24, edition of the Courier-Post.